It always makes me wonder why some people get so excited about enforcing silly rules.  Their enthusiasm for ensuring the letter of the law is followed, stupid or otherwise always puzzles me.

This is the foundational principle of bureaucracy.  In essence bureaucratic process is not about the end result (although it is positioned as such) but rather it’s all about the execution.

Common Sense

Rules that work is not the goal of bureaucratic systems.  The task is often performed for the sake of the task itself.  This is one of the main frustrations people have with bureaucracies.

Theoretically by following the process quality and efficiency ensue.  In reality rigid adherence to policies often causes more delays and mistakes than otherwise.

Flexibility can allow real time tailoring of processes.  Many nimble organizations, groups or just individuals view policies and rules as guidelines at best.

For Example – Stop Signs

I once stood by a stop sign on a residential street by my house and counted the cars that came to a full stop over the course of 30 minutes.

Five cars went by and none came to  a full stop.  Although the rules for stop signs is crystal clear every driver I observed treated it as a guideline rather than a rule.

It appeared safe to proceed into the insersection,following the rule without exception was not deemed necessary.  In this example common sense could and was applied.

I observed no accidents.

Judging Outcomes

Unfortunately for many large commercial, charitable or government organizations processes and practices are not viewed as guidelines but rather absolutes.

This is usually to their detriment and fosters frustration for  their stakeholders.